Deliberations Begin in Corruption Trial of Former New York Senate Leader Dean Skelos

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Deliberations have begun in the federal corruption trial of former state Senate leader Dean Skelos.

A judge charged the Manhattan jury in the case against the Long Island Republican and his son, Adam Skelos, Thursday afternoon. Both men face several counts of extortion and bribery and one count of fraud.

On Wednesday, the defense said in closing statements that Dean Skelos never used his clout as one of Albany's most powerful politicians to extort bribes consisting of $300,000 in salary and other benefits for his son.